Joplin family finds cat 18 months after tornado

Oct.312012

The Kansas City Star

Ryan Richardson

Sisters Alexandra, left, and Stephanie Kent hold their cat Simba who was found Sunday afternoon after disappearing 18 months ago when their home was destroyed by the 2011 tornado in Joplin, Mo. The cat had been missing since the May 22, 2011 tornado and was presumed lost after the family had checked the area and several animal shelters.

JOPLIN, Mo.

Joplin family members can now cuddle a cat they hadn’t seen since their home was destroyed by a tornado 18 months ago.

Simba wandered away before the tornado hit the Kent family’s home on May 22, 2011. The Kents went to animal shelters and put up signs, but eventually gave up hope.

On Sunday, when the family returned to the site of their old house, Jan Kent saw a cat. When the family approached the animal, it came right to them.

Other than being thinner, Simba is in good shape. The Kent family speculates that someone was feeding the cat.

The family will move into a new house next month, and they are thrilled Simba will be with them.